Andreas bids farewell to Wigan

SWEDISH international Andreas Johansson has swapped life in the reserves at Wigan to chase European glory. The popular midfielder called time after two and a half years at the club, making his exit with a year left on his contract having failed to pin down a regular Premiership spot.

SWEDISH international Andreas Johansson has swapped life in the reserves at Wigan to chase European glory.

The popular midfielder called time after two and a half years at the club, making his exit with a year left on his contract having failed to pin down a regular Premiership spot.

He's agreed a three-year deal with Danish club Aalborg BK and will be making his debut in the Intertoto Cup with the team just one tie away from joining some of Europe's big guns in the UEFA Cup.

Andreas, 29, who cost Wigan £400,000 from Swedish club Djurgardens in January 2005, made only 19 starts for the Latics, scoring seven goals.

He also earned himself a place in the history books as the last player to be sent off at Highbury when he was red-carded within a minute of trotting off the bench.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings, who saw Latics wrap up their Holland trip beating Den Bosch 2-0 with goals from Emile Heskey and Paul Scharner, said: "Andreas worked tirelessly to get into the first team.

"Unfortunately he has never truly found a regular place, but not for the lack of trying.

"It's probably been frustrating for him but he has never shown anything other than total professionalism. He's never complained, always had a smile on his face around the training ground, and I wish him all the best because he's been a pleasure to have around the place."

Aalborg's sporting director Lynge Jakobsen said: "We have been wanting to sign Andreas for two years."

Johansson, capped 13 times, said: "I would have liked to have played more games and that's the only reason I want to move on. I've enjoyed my experience here and being involved in the incredible Wigan story."